Infolder.



0. A. WHEELER.

. INFOLDER.

APPLICATION man APR.24, 1913. lm fwfo FEB. 11.1916.

-1 ,1 97,3 18. Patented Sept 5, 1916.

5 SHEETS-SHEET l.

Patented Sept. 5, 1916.

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INFOLDEH.

APPLICATION FILED M124. 191s. RENEww mi. 11,1916.

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0. A. WHEELER.

INFOLDER.

APPLICATION `HLED APR. 24. 1913. RENEwED FEB. 1x. 1916.

1,197,318. Pantedsepm, 1916.

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0. A. WHEELER.

INFULDER.

APPLICATION FILED APR.24. |913. RENEwEn rea. 11.1916.

l 1 97,3 8. Patented Sept. 5, 1916.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5 OMAR A. WHEELER, OF PORTLAND, OREG-N, ASSIGNGR,

ASSIGNMENTS, TO WHEELER AUTOMATIC MACHINE CO., A CORPORATION OE OREGON.

INFOLIDER.

` Application led April 24, 1913, Serial No. 763,290. Renewed February 11, 1916.

To @ZZ 'zo/tom t may concern Be it known that I, OMAR A. 7i-runnen, a citizen of the United States, residing at Portland, in the county of Multnomah and State of Oregon, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in lnfolders, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to infolders, and has for its object to infold the free edges of an article composed of a plurality of plies, such as a cuff or the like.

A further object is to inturn the free edges of an article composed of a plurality of plies, such as a turned cuff, preparatory to securing the cull to the sleeve of a shirt.

A still further object is to heat and press such folded portions.

These and other objects are accomplished by the mechanism illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 is a front elevation of the complete machine. Fig. 2 is a side elevation of same. Fig. 3 is a transverse sectional view of the casings containing the folding mechanism. Fig. i is a similar view showing the folding movement partially completed. Fig. 5 is a similar view showing the parts in discharging position. Fig. G is an end view of the driving mechanism. Fig. is a partial transverse section on the line B-B of Fig. 3. Fig. S is a detail sectional view showing the swinging jaw T pivoted in the free edge of the swinging link (3. Fig. 9 is a cross section taken on the line A-A of Fig. 6. Fig. 10 is a partial end elevation of member 1, showing the separating device in detail. Fig. 11 is an end view of member 1, showing the spring cranks for moving the folding mechanism. Fig. 12 is a side elevation of same. Fig. 13 is a plan View showing the parting device. Fig. 141- is a front elevation of the same, showing trip wedges for releasing the parting mechanism.

Describing the parts in detail, 1 and 1a designate upper and lower members of a casing, each containing corresponding folding elements and a longitudinal steam chamber 2. Between these castingsfthe cuff 3 is received to be pressed by them, with the free edges 3a extending into the cavity of the operative mechanism formed by oppositely disposed recesses. The cuff will be carried to this position by a carrier inserted between the plies and while the plies are Vthereby separated, the arm @L7 will be swung between Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Sept. 5, 1913.

Serial No. 77,305.

them. The movement of the cam G3 upon shaft 6G, in the end of which is a cam groove G5, in which travel the rolls G2 and tif/l1, carried upon bell cranks G3 and 53, respectively, which arms are pivoted upon pins 61 and GO respectively, imparts motion to the spread-- ing mechanism. To the opposite arm of bell crank 53 is pivoted a link 4S which is l..- shaped and journaled upon pin 13, secured upon slide 14, which is adapted to move longitudinally along the front face of the upper member of the casing 1in the groove 17. This slide is angularly formed so as to carry the pin 13 well to the front, as seen in Fig. 3, and the lower portion 11 is bent inwardly, and upon its extremity is formed the spreader 9, adapted to enter between the plies of the cuff.

To the bell crank 63 is secured the link 56, and in turn, the bell crank 54pivoted upon the pin 55, is connected therewith, by pin 57. To the other arm of bell crank 54e is pivotcd link i811 which is journaled at 12, upon a pin similar to the pin 13, fixed upon a slide which carries a spreader, as above described, at the opposite end of the casing.

Upon the upper member 1, at each end is secured a bracket 97, which is laterally adjustable, by means of screws 112 in the slots 113, and having upon its forwardly project ing end portion an incline with a shoulder 9S over which the arm 99, lixed upon shaft 100, carried in the sleeve 19, swings. Upon the lower end of shaft 100 is formed a horizontal arm 47, having preferably a forked terminal, adapted to swing between and hold the plies of the cuff separated.

Beneath the slide 1e, which reci procates along the groove 17, and which is held in place by the plate 16, is another slide 15 which has an angular portion 10, similar to the portion 11, and carrying upon its7 terminal a spreader 9, similar to that above described. These slides occupy substantially the full length of groove 1'?, and operate the one against the other, but independently. The members 1 and 1a will stand normally separated and the cuff will be carried on an instrument between its plies, into position. Upon the application of power to the drive pulley 69 fixed upon shaft 66., mounted in the frame 67 in journals S5, the cam 68, which is fixed upon said shaft, in its initial movement operates the slides 1i and 15, by reason of the rolls 62 and 64 entering the angular portion Z) of the gr'oove G5, as seen in Fig. 1, a shortdistance, to carry the wedges 102 formed upon each slide, into contact with its respective pin 103, fixed in its respective shaft 100, a slot 101 being formed in sleeve 49 therefor. Flach wedge raises its respective shaft 100, with the arm 99 above shoulder 9S, to its normal position, and the springs 9Ga cause the arms 47 to at once swing within the parted edges of the cu'lf plies. At this point cam groove 32 in the drum S3 aetuates roll 7S carried by a slide bar 7 '7 which is carried in boxes 75. Upon this bar is formed a pin 7 5, to engage in the oblong opening 7 4L in the crank 74 which is fixed upon shaft 72.

At the inner side of frame 67, upon shaft 72, is fixed another crank 51 in the end of which is an oblong opening 51'LL engaging upon the pin 73 fixed upon the ear 51b in the lower face of the movable member 1u of the casting, which raises that member in the slide ways 50, closing it upon the cuff 3, firmly against the upper member. Here the rolls G4 and 62 will successively enter the angular portion a of the cam groove 65, which, through the above described mechanism, will actuate the slides 14 and 15, thereby carrying their spreader-s toward the center of the machine. As the slides move inwardly each of them will contact with its respectivearm 47, which will be standing across their paths, and which will be forced outwardly to original position, carrying the arm 99 again to the shoulderI 98. Tmmediately before the movement of saidarms, the point of spreader 9 will enter between the plies of the cloth, and as the movement continues, will spread them as seen in Fig. 3, carrying the upper and lowerportions outwardly into the V-shaped grooves or kerfs 5a of their respective cylindrical bars 5. The succeeding portion of the angular groove o will now ret act the slides 14 and '15 and thereby withdraw the spreaders 9 to a point beyond the respective ends of the folding mechanism, seen in Fig. 1. At this point cam groove 821 will actuate bell crank 87, pivoted upon pin 88, through roll 84a carried on the pin 8G. To its other end, upon the pin 91, is connected the link S0, which in turn is connected to crank mounted upon sleeve 7 0, journaled over sleeve 29, earried upon pin 30. This sleeve 70a carries crank 21 upon its upper side, and opposite thereto is carried a segment gear 31, meshing with a similar' gear segment 31, mounted in the lower jaw 1a carried upon pin 43. To the crank 21, upon pin 20, is connected link 26 which is -journaled upon pin 2O in the crank 27 fixed upon the end of cylindrical bar 5. The resulting movement of crank 21 will rotate bars 5, from engagement against jaws 7 to the position shown in Fig. 4, permitting spring 7 a under the torsion to move the shoulder 7b of the jaw 7 into engagement with the terminal of the curved portion 0f link G. Cam groove 32a will now actuate roll carried on pin 89 in bell crank 93 pivoted upon pin 94. This bell crank is connected at its vouter' end by means of pin 92 with link 81, which in turn connects with crank 71 mounted on sleeve 29 carried by pin 30.

Sleeve 29 has formed upon its upper side a crank 22, and opposite to it a gear segment 32, which meshes with a corresponding segment in the lower member 1, mounted on pin 43. This segment has a modified crank 38, and to each crank 22 and 38 is pivoted a link 25, which in turn is connected with crank 23 formed upon its respective cylindrical folder 4, journaled on its respective bar 5, on the inside and within its respective casting 1 and 1a on the outside. These tubular folders each have an open side. One of the open sides is brought to an edge 4 in its median line and the other is brought to an edge 4b at its outer face. The operation of crank 71 will thus impart motion to sleeve 29 and ultimately' to the cylindrical folder 4. This movement swings the folders inwardly with the edges against the expanded edges of the cloth, (Fig. 4) flexing them sharply between jaws 7 and their respective swinging links 6, and making a sharp crease in the cloth, which operation will be rendered more effective by reason of the heat from the chamber 2. After a brief interval groove 82a will cause the folders to return to their positions seen in Fig. 3; and coincident with that movement the bars 5 also will be thus returned by cam groove S2", each bearing upon the outer faces of their respective aws 7 will force them upon the links 6 compress ing the fold between them, where it remains for the heat to permeate the cloth and set the fold. A succeeding curve in the groove 82h will cause the bars 5v to swing` back to the position shown in Fig. 4, when the spring 7ZL will again throw` their respective jaws 7 outward against the terminals of their respective links 6. Cam groove 82, through cranks 28 will here rotate the folders 4 with the edges 4b against the outer rounded portions of links G, causing them to swing on their hinge pins S to the position seen in Fig. 5. Upon each link 6 is fixed an arm 19, connected at its outer end with a spring 18 fixed to its respective member of the casing. Simultaneously with said movements of bars 5 and links 6, cam groove 32, by reason of a suitable curvature, will cause crank 74 to move in the opposite direction and thus lower the jaw or member la. As it does so, shoulder 36 of the pawl 34, pivoted to the upper member 1 on screw 33 and held in place by spring 23, engages the shoulder 35 formed on the side of gear segment 32, causing it to slightly rotate said segment, which in turn will cause the lower folder 4- to swing back so that the edge 4b will engage the lower link 6, causing it to swing to the position seen in Fig. 5, thereby carrying the folded edge of the cuil' to the inner side and releasing it. Upon the completion of the downward movement of member 1a screw 37 will contact with the edge of crank 38 forcing the pawl 34 outwardly causing it to disengage from said segment, which will permit spring 44 secured upon the screw 45 and engaged in the outer end of crank 88, to swing the latter back to its original position, where the notch 30 will engage the wing stop 4t2 formed on the bar 40 which is held forward by the spring 40a. The purpose of the stop is to hold the segment 39. in position to engage its corresponding segment in member 1 when the members are again brought together. When member 1astarts to move downwardly the beveled surface 31d will engage the corrrespoiidingly formed terminal of the plunger 31c and force it against the spring 31h, with its rear end extending into the aperture 31a of the segment 3l, thereby holding it in fixed position till that member returns to up position. Simultaneously with the separating of members l and 1, cam groove 82h will operate crank 70, a short distance further in its releasing direction causing the edge 4b of the upper folder t to engage the rounded terminal of the upper link 6, swinging it forward to the discharging position seen in Fig. 5, when the cuff may be withdrawn. Immediately following this movement a succeeding curvature in the cam 82h will cause the crank 7 0 to swing in the opposite direction, thereby swinging the upper folder to starting position.

In Figs. 11 and 12 is shown a modification in which the shaft 110, having the fixed collar 100, supports on its rear half, at each side, a spring case 105, carrying a plunger 10G, which is held in forward position against the lug 107 formed upon the crank 108, by the spring- 10st, thus forming a cush ioned crank, which may be used in place of cranks and 71. By use of these springs a cushion is provided which permits a slight automatic adjustment of the folding members,v in case avvariation in the thickness of cull's should occur. It also allows the paits to yield in response to an unusual resistance.

Having thus described my invention what l claim, is

1. A machine of the class described comprising a frame, a jaw fixed therein, a lower movable main jaw coacting therewith, said jaws being adapted to receive between them the body of an article composed of a plurality of plies, a secondary aw disposed longitudinally in each main jaw adapted to engage the free edge of the corresponding member of said plies, and mechanism operated by the machine for rotating the sec ondary jaws to fold inwardly the free edges of the upper and lower plies of the article.

2. fr machine of the class described comprising a frame, a main jaw having a longitudinal steam chamber within, fixed in the frame, a lower movable main jaw having a similar' steam chamber coacting with the first mentioned jaw, said jaws being adapted to receive and press between them the body of an article composed of a plurality of plies, a secondary jaw in each main jaw adapted to clamp upon the free edge of the corresponding plies, and mechanism operated by the machine for rotating the secondary jaws for folding inwardly the free edges of the upper and lower plies of the article.

3. An infolding machine comprising a pair of jaws adapted to grip and hold an article composed of plies having their lateral edges secured together, means for sustaining the projecting open end of the article, an arm at each end of the jaws adapted to swing within the open end of the article to sustain it in the initial movement, slide bars mounted to reciprocate along the front face of the upper jaw, an arm having a spreader at its end extending from each bar to a point within the open ends of the article, means for reciprocating the bars to return said arms to out position and to expand the plies of the article, means actuated by the machine for engaging to flex and fold inwardly the open edge of the plies and means for releasing the jaws from the article.

4. A, machine of the class described comprising upper and lower jaws each having a longitudinal cavity in its forward portion said jaws being adapted to receive and hold between them an article composed. of plies,

"with the free edges projecting into said cavity, a cylindrical bar having a longitudinal korf, mounted to rotate in the cavity of each jaw, a spreader adapted to be moved between the free edges of said plies to expand them causing each to engage in the kerf of its respective bar, and means for rotating each bar to flex inwardly its respective edge of the article.

5. A machine of the class described comprising upper and lower aws each having a longitudinal cavity in its forward portion said jaws being adapted to receive and hold between them an article composed of plies, with the free edges projecting into said Cavity. a cylindrical bar having a longitudinal korf, mounted to rota te in the cavity of each jaw, a spreader adapted to be moved between the free edges of said plies to expand them .causing each to engage in the kerf of its respective bar, means for rotating each bar to flex inwardly the respective edge of the article, a link mounted in each cavity adjacent the inner edge of the jaw,

parallel with said bars, a secondary aw pivoted to the free edge of each of said links to swing with a limited outward movement, means for carrying the folded edge of the upper and lower plies within its respective secondary aw, means for swinging the links to closed position thereby closingi each secondary jaw upon its fold and carrying it to finished position and means for automatically releasing said secondary jaws.

6. A machine of the class described comprising upper and lower jaws each having a longitudinal cavity in its forward portion and adapted to receive and hold between them an article composed of plies, with the free edges projecting into said cavity, a cylindrical bar having a longitudinal kerf, mounted to rotate in the cavity ofl each jaw, a spreaded adapted to be moved between the free edges of said plies to expand them causing each to engage in the kerf of its respective edge of the article, a link mounted in each cavity adjacent the inner edge of the jaw, parallel with said bars, a swinging jaw pivoted to the free edge of each of said links to swingbwith a limited outward movement, a tube having an open side mounted upon each of said bars, means for rotating the tubes to bring their inner edges in engagement with the expanded edges of the plies to flex and force each one within its respective swinging jaw, means to successively reverse the direction of said tubes whereby the outer edge of each will engage the terminal portion of each link to swing it toward the face of its pressing jaw, thereby forcing each swinging of said jaws upon its respective fold to press and carry it to finished position, and means for automatically re'- leasing said swinging jaws.

7. A machine of the class described comprising upper and lower jaws each having a longitudinal cavity in its forward portion and adapted to receive and hold between them an article composed of plies, with the free edges projecting into said cavity, a cylindrical bar having a longitudinal kerf, mounted to rotate in the cavity of each aw, a spreader adapted to be moved between the free edges of said plies to expand them causing each to engage in the kerf of its respective edge of the article, a link mounted in each cavity adjacent the inner edge of the jaw, parallel with said bars, a swinging jaw pivoted to the free edge of each of said links to swing with a limited outward movement, a tube having an open side mounted upon each of said bars, means for rotating the tubes to bring their inner edges in engagement with the expanded edges of the plies to Hex and force each one within its respective swinging jaw, means to successively reverse the direction of said tubes whereby the outer edge of each will engage the terminal portion of each link to swing it toward the to expand them, a rotatable clamp conforming to the length of the article in each jaw adapted to engage the expanded edge of its corresponding ply, mechanism for driving the spreader to position, mechanism for rotating each clamp inwardly to fold the free edges of the upper and lower plies of the article, and yielding stops for said clamps.

9. A machine of the class described comprising upper and lower jaws, adapted to receive between them the body of an article composed of a plurality of plies, a spreader movable between the free edges of said plies 'to expand them, a rotatable clamp conforming to the length of the article in each jaw adapted to engage the expanded edge of its corresponding ply, mechanism for driving the spreader to position, mechanism for rotating each clamp inwardly to fold the free edges of the upper and lower plies of the article, yielding` stops for said clamps, and means for discharging the 'folded edges and restoring them to closed position, with the hem of one ply facing that of the other'.

10. A machine of the class described comprising upper and lower jaws adapted to receive between them the body of an article composed of a plurality of plies, a spreader movable between the free edges of said plies to separate them, a rotatable clamp conforming to the length of the article inl each jaw adapted to engage the edge of its corresponding ply, mechanism for operating the spreader, mechanism for rotating eachclamp inwardly to fold the free edges of the upper' and lower plies of the article, and a yielding stop for said clamps.

1n testimony whereof affix my signature in presence of two witnesses.

OMAR A. VHEELER. Witnesses:

EDWIN E. HECKBERT, A. J. MATTE.

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the Commissioner of Patents. Washington, D. C. 

